City Manager David Cooke

David Cooke became Fort Worth’s city manager on June 30, 2014, following a national search.

Cooke is responsible for implementing the Mayor and City Council’s policies and managing the $1.6 billion city government enterprise with approximately 6,600 employees.

David Cooke

While the City of Fort Worth’s population grows at approximately 20,000 new residents per year, Cooke’s focus is on:

  • Exceptional customer service
  • Maintaining a long-term perspective
  • Stressing partnerships to provide services and solve complex public policy problems
  • Planning and implementing the infrastructure needs of a growing city

His prior experience includes 13-1/2 years as County Manager and four years as Deputy County Manager, in Wake County, N.C.; and 12 years with the city of Charlotte, N.C.

Cooke has also worked with a full-service engineering and consulting firm, has taught economics at a community college and was a presidential management intern with the Department of Defense.

Cooke received his undergraduate degree and master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jan. 1, 2011-June 30, 2014
Tom Higgins

Feb. 4, 2008-Dec. 31, 2010
Dale A. Fisseler, P.E.

Nov. 2, 2004-Feb. 4, 2008
Charles Boswell

March 26, 2001-Aug. 24, 2004
Gary Jackson

July 7, 1992-Jan. 1, 2001
Robert Terrell

Oct. 7, 1989-April 4, 1992
David A. Ivory

March 3, 1985-Oct. 6, 1989
Douglas Harman

Dec. 1, 1984-March 1, 1985
Vernell Sturns

Aug. 1, 1978-Nov. 30, 1984
Robert L. Herchert

Feb. 1, 1978-Aug. 1, 1978
Morris C. Matson

April 12, 1971-Feb. 3, 1978
Roger N. Line

May 1, 1967-March 5, 1971
Howard D. McMahan

Feb. 1, 1963-May 1, 1967
J. L. Brownlee

June 15, 1959-Feb. 1, 1963
L. P. Cookingham

Jan. 1, 1956-April 24, 1959
J. Frank Davis

July 1, 1947-March 15, 1955
W. O. Jones

Aug. 1, 1938-June 1, 1946
S. H. Bothwell

Aug. 1, 1937-Aug. 1, 1938
D. L. Lewis

Served six-week terms between April 8 and Aug. 1, 1937
S. B. Edwards
L. W. Hoelscher

June 24, 1931-April 8, 1937
G. D. Fairtrace

May 5, 1925-June 24, 1931
O. E. Carr